Indiana Advocacy

All surgeons are encouraged to become more involved in advocacy. Regularly visit our web pages to become educated about health policy priorities, obtain helpful tools and resources, and take action on legislative issues of importance to surgeons and their patients.

Legislative Committee Report - Don Selzer


The ACS continues to offer a Lobby Grant Program that is now available throughout the year rather than the former more limited application process. Timing of the Indiana legislative session and COVID surges did not seem to demonstrate an appropriate opportunity to take part of this offering in each of the last three years. However, Drs. Selzer & Welsh did participate in the ISMA leadership and Commission on Legislation session on February 8th. The major focus for this effort was the “truth in advertising” campaign, an increase in cigarette and e-cigarette taxes, and a prior authorization “gold card” policy. Although the “truth in advertising” was successful, the tax hikes and the prior authorization bill were not. It is possible that given the potential decline of COVID cases in late 2022 and/or early 2023 that an advocacy event would make sense close to the election this year or during the session next year.

Indiana Physician Coalition

We encourage members to follow the Indiana Physician Coalition ("The Coalition"), a group of 17 physician organizations that includes our Chapter. The Coalition has an agenda that focuses on eliminating scope of practice creep that has allowed non-physician allied health groups greater control of patient care despite less comprehensive training. The Coalition sends emails to highlight a call to action regarding specific bills and provides quick links that generate email to elected officials. Click HERE to visit the Coalition website.

The Surgical Care Coalition

The Surgical Care Coalition is comprised of 12 surgical professional associations the proudly represent the more than 15,000 surgeons with a common goal of improving the quality of care, and quality of life, for all patients. For more information, click HERE